Soprano Natalie Dessay steps into the seductive role of Cleopatra in Sir David McVicar’s production of Handel’s Giulio Cesare at the Metropolitan Opera.

She stars opposite countertenors David Daniels as Caesar and Christophe Dumaux as Ptolemy.

In this historical saga of seduction, love and war, Giulio Cesare is embroiled in a bitter struggle with Pompey for control of the Roman Empire.

Upon defeating his rival, Caesar pursues him to Alexandria, the capital city of Egypt. There he finds the kingdom ruled by Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy. Caesar falls in love with the alluring Cleopatra and, upon defeating her brother, places her on the throne; the people of Alexandria celebrate.

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